Apple iPhone campaign begins

Last night, a commercial break during the 79th Academy Awards featured an ad spot for Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) long-awaited-and-much-discussed iPhone. The 30-second ad, screened during the first break and several breaks thereafter, began with images of old-fashioned phones and moves to clips of 31 assorted film and television characters saying "Hello," including Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Michael J. Fox and Mr. Incredible from Pixar's "The Incredibles." The spot ended with an image of the new iPhone and the word "Hello." Of course, it also said "Coming in June," so any rumors of an April arrival are probably out of the question right now.

The ad was in good taste, meaning there was no bashing of any of Apple's rivals (ahem, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)). Having a good relationship with Tinsel Town can't hurt either.

If you want to watch it for yourself, click here.